National Parks
Should parks limit visitors, or try to meet demand?
By Richard L. Worsnop

The U.S. National Park System, beloved by Americans and foreign visitors alike, is suffering the effects of popularity. Overcrowding, water and air pollution and vandalism have been rising throughout the 367-unit system. Conservationists say many parklands face such severe pressure that they need protection from additional recreational use and adjacent commercial development. Moreover, they say, park. . . .

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Is the Clinton administration's plan to collect higher fees from visitors of federal recreation areas fair to the public?

Thomas J. Mills Associate deputy chief of the U.S.. Forest Service. From testimony before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, April 29, 1993.	William J. Chandler Conservation director, National Parks and Conservation Association.. From Testimony Before The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, April 29, 1993.

Makeup of the National Park System

Natural areas: These are usually vast tracts combining outstanding scenic, wildlife, geologic and recreational features. National parks, created by Congress, are the highest category of park-type units in the system. Nation-al monuments, designated by the president, can be as large as national parks, or larger, and are used for many of the same purposes; some allow commercial uses, such as hunting and grazing.

Historical and commemorative: This grouping includes national historical parks, national battlefields, national military parks, national historic sites, national memorials and national cemeteries. Grazing, farming or timber cutting are permitted in such park units when they are consistent with original usage, such as the preservation of a historic farm or ranch.

Recreation: National seashores, national lakeshores and national recreation areas are virtually identical to national parks except for their heavier emphasis on recreational use and development. This grouping might include national scenic riverways and national parkways, although they frequently follow historic trails.